AN/BRD-6B DIRECTION FINDING SYSTEM

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The AN/BRD-6B is a VHF/UHF direction finding system and one of these systems can be found aboard the USS Pueblo, a spy ship captured by the North Koreans in 1968.

Frequency range: 250 to 550 MHz according to the supplier of the antennas. (There might be a discrepancy in the lower frequency limit.)

Antenna section: AS-1907/BRD-6.

AS-1907/BRD-6 MOD 1
AS1907BRD6MOD1 5985-00-999-5415 Antenna Special Features: Fiberglass dome watertight for submersion
FSC Application Data: Direction finder set
Frequency Rating: 0.250 megahertz minimum (may be wrong) single antenna element and 550.000 megahertz maximum single antenna element

AS-1907/BRD-6 MOD 2
AS1907BRD6MOD2 5985-00-999-5415 Antenna Special Features: Fiberglass dome watertight for submersion
FSC Application Data: Direction finder set
Frequency Rating: 0.250 megahertz minimum (may be wrong) single antenna element and 550.000 megahertz maximum single antenna element

Receiver section: R-1406/BRD-6B which  is a superheterodyne receiver with a cathode ray tube display and a audio monitor.

This is the AN/BRD-6B antenna atop the foremast on USS Pueblo.

The AN/BRD-6B Direction finding receiver aboard USS Pueblo. An NSA report lists the BRD-6B as being at the Manual Morse Intercept station,  position 4. Below it , is an R-390 receiver which has nothing to do with the BRD-6B. Its likely another intercept receiver.  (Daily Mail photo)

This is the equipment layout for the radio compartment aboard the Pueblo. Download image to enlarge. The AN/BRD-6B was located at position 4.  (NSA image) A complete listing of the radio equipment carried aboard the Pueblo is available here. (NSA declassified document)

This research was inspired by writer Bill Streifer.

Credits and References:

1) Bill Streifer [bill.streifer(at)gmail.com]
2) http://fsg-59-electrical-electronics.parttarget.com/antennas-waveguides-AS-1640B-BPS-15_AS19CTRC1.html
3) Robert Langille   <ewcs(at)ewcs.ca>
4) Nick England <nick(at)navy-radio.com>
5) R 1406 receiver:  http://www.parttarget.com/5820-01-211-9526_5820012119526_3003003G1.html/-
bc059db7-579d-4f03-a121-b00b4abe1426?searchtext=r1406brd6&searchoption=sku&originalsearchtext=r1406brd6

Apr 26/18